Effects of Pursed Lip Breathing on Exercise Capacity and Dyspnea in Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease A RANDOMIZED, CROSSOVER STUDY

摘要

Background: Although mainly described in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pursed lip breathing (PLB) could prove useful in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) by improving exertional tachypnea and respiratory control. This prospective, randomized, crossover trial aimed at evaluating the impact of PLB on dyspnea and walking distance in ILD patients. Methods: ILD patients with total lung capacity of .05), but PLB resulted in higher mean oxygen uptake (13.9 +/- 3.6 vs 12.9 +/- 3.2 mL/kg/min, P =.02), even when corrected for walking distance (P <.001). Conclusion: In ILD patients, acute exposure to PLB did not improve exertional dyspnea, walking distance, or gas exchange, and was associated with higher metabolic demands than usual breathing. These results cast doubt on the usefulness of this technique in ILD patients and should be taken into account when tailoring pulmonary rehabilitation programs to this population.